To St. John's Parishioners and Friends:

Our Bible study is in the home stretch of our journey through the book of Acts. In this week's reading, Paul is in trouble again, this time on trial before the high priest. While defending himself, he tries to exploit divisions between the Sadducees (who don't believe in a resurrection) and Pharisees (who do) gathered: "When Paul noticed that some were Sadducees and others were Pharisees, he called out in the council, 'Brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees. I am on trial concerning the hope of the resurrection of the dead'” (Acts 23:6). He's trying to get the Pharisees on his side. He's being persecuted, he says, for preaching something they themselves believe.

But that's not exactly what got him in trouble, and Paul knows that. In Acts 22, Paul recounted how he came by his faith in Jesus Christ and his vocation. Folks seemed pretty much on board--until he spoke of Jesus calling him to minister to gentiles, to outsiders: "Then he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the gentiles.’ Up to this point they listened to him, but then they shouted, 'Away with such a fellow from the earth! For he should not be allowed to live'” (Acts 22:21-22). People were fine with resurrection, but a resurrection of "the righteous and the unrighteous" (Acts 24:15) is a little too much. 

As we examine ourselves in this Lent, there's a little lesson there that should catch the conscience. Sometimes, theological debates aren't about what happens in this world or the next life; it's about who it all happens to. We're thrilled to believe in justice and joy and love--as long as it's for us. And we can make our peace with all kinds of injustice and pain and cruelty--as long as it doesn't happen to us. How do we move from theologies that hoard God's gifts to ones that must share them? What faith do we declare before the councils of today?

Peace,

Kevin

The Rev. Kevin Laskowski

Priest-in-Charge

St. John's Episcopal Church

P.S. Our weekly newsletter is moving to Thursdays. We will no longer publish a regular Saturday email. Links to the YouTube channel and the Sunday bulletin will always appear on our website.

Celebrate Lent!

Our observance of a holy Lent has begun. Join us for worship Sundays at 9:30 AM in the historic church, and mark your calendars for Holy Week:

• Palm Sunday, Mar 29, 9:30 AM
• Maundy Thursday, Apr 2, 7:00 PM
• Good Friday, Apr 3, Noon & 7:00 PM
• Easter Sunday, Apr 5, 8:00 AM & 10:30 AM - followed by our Easter Egg Hunt in the churchyard (Volunteers needed! Email Fr. Kevin.)

Easter Candy! (and Easter Eggs... and Palm Crosses...)

Please bring donations of Easter candy to worship or to the office during Lent so that eggs can be stuffed ahead of our Easter Egg Hunt. They'll be kept in the priest-in-charge's office, where they'll certainly be safe ahead of the festivities.

Join us to stuff Easter eggs and prepare palm crosses Saturday, March 28, at 10 AM at the church.

St. John's is Hiring!

We are hiring a part-time Ministry Partner Liaison to enhance coordination between our many Ministry Partners and to ensure that Saint John's building is maintained and protected. This compensated position is envisioned to be 10-15 hours a week. The specific hours are flexible. If you know of someone who may be a fit for this opportunity, please be in touch with the church office or the Senior Warden. 

Spring Cleanup, March 21, 9 AM

Our annual spring cleanup of the grounds before our Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday, March 21, at 9:00 am. All hands are welcome. Pickup trucks, wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, and gloves are also welcome. 

Possible Pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 2027?

Years ago, St. John's parishioners went on pilgrimage to the Holy Land, an amazing experience pilgrims still talk about. Episcopal churches in the South Fairfax region are exploring a combined pilgrimage with St. George's College in 2027. Do we have a volunteer - perhaps an experienced pilgrim - to coordinate St. John's potential participation? Contact Fr. Kevin for more.

Altar Flowers Needed

Dedicate the altar flowers in thanksgiving or in memory of a loved one here.

WORSHIP

Sunday Sermon

View our services on our YouTube channel and look for new sermons here.

Join Us In Person or Online

Join us in the historic church at 9:30 AM Sunday or watch live via YouTube. Additional links to the livestream, worship bulletin, and lectionary class are sent Saturday and also available on our website.

Upcoming Readings for the Third Sunday in Lent

First Lesson: Exodus 17:1-7

When the Israelites in the wilderness complain because they are without water, Moses turns to the Lord for guidance. The Lord shows Moses how he will provide water to his fault-finding people.

Response: Psalm 95

One of the invitatory Psalms of Episcopal Morning Prayer, Psalm 95 is a call to worship of the almighty creator.

Second Lesson:  Romans 5:1-11

Because Christ has died for our sins, we are reconciled to God. Our present hardships are temporary, strengthening in us the hope of the glory to be revealed.

Gospel: John 4:5-42

In a conversation with a Samaritan woman, Jesus turns from the woman’s need for water from the well and offers to provide living water.

New Worship Customary

Bishop E. Mark Stephenson has updated liturgical guidelines for the Diocese of Virginia. Remember: "individual communicants may not dip their own hosts or bread in the wine." The minister will intinct for you, if you so desire. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please contact Rev. Kevin.

Saint of the Week: William Worrall Mayo

This week, we mark the lives of the Mayo Clinic founders: Dr. William Worrall Mayo and his two sons, Drs. William J. and Charles H. Mayo.

Read more about them here.

Journey through Acts... and Coming Soon: 1 Corinthians

Join us in the library Wednesdays at 11:00 AM or Thursday nights at 7:00 PM for Bible study.

We're reading Acts of the Apostles, using N.T. Wright's Acts: 24 Studies for Individuals and Groups. No need to RSVP for individual classes. Jump in anytime.

We will wrap up Acts by Easter, take a break for Holy Week, and resume our study by tackling First Corinthians. Join us!

For more information, read a series overview with syllabus, watch our website, and/or contact Father Kevin or Lisa Heller.

Education for Ministry (EfM)

Through study, prayer, worship, and reflection, EfM seminar groups journey together through scripture, church history, and theology.

St. John's EfM cohort meets Wednesday nights in the St. John's library, unless otherwise announced. Registration for this year is closed. Contact Walt Cooner for more information.

Adult Lectionary Forum This Week

Join us Sundays in person in the church library or online via Zoom to discuss the day's lessons. (This is the new link for meeting #826 4944 0667. Please make sure you use this new, updated link.)

Dead Sea Scrolls at the Museum of the Bible

The Museum of the Bible in Southwest DC is featuring a special exhibit on the Dead Sea Scrolls until next September. There will be three sets of the scrolls displayed on three-month rotations. Featuring some of the oldest fragments of the Hebrew scriptures, the scrolls offer a glimpse into the development of our modern Bible. More information about the exhibit and tickets can be found at Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition | Museum of the Bible.

Valentine's at the Hanley House

St John's served 47 residents at Hanley House in February! The food was excellent, and we had some Valentine treats for the kids. Thanks, Julie!

March 10th is our next Hanley dinner. Please join as we serve Pulled Chicken BBQ and Mac and Cheese.

St. John's makes and serves a meal every second Tuesday of the month at the local family shelter. Sign up to prepare or provide food ahead of time and/or join us on March 10 to serve.

Bring donations for our local family shelter to church or drop by the office.

Their needs may be found on their In-Kind Donations Wish List through Amazon.

Donate to Western Fairfax Christian Ministries

St. John's is a founding partner of Western Fairfax Christian Ministries, which provides food and financial support to more than 600 local families every month. Please bring donations of food and more to Sunday services, or drop at the church office. These items are especially needed:

Food:

• White or Wheat Flour (5 lb. bag or less)
• Sugar (1 lb. or 2 lb. bag)
• Oil (canola, vegetable, olive)
• Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)
• Similac Baby Formula (blue label)
• Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)
• Canned Meat (salmon, Vienna sausages, sardines)
• Canned Tomatoes (crushed)
• Canned Vegetables (spinach, potatoes, beets)
• Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges, pears, peaches, applesauce)
• Tomato Paste
• Refried Beans
• Garbanzo Beans
• Kidney Beans 
• Family Size Snacks (crackers, nuts, popcorn, pretzels)

Toiletries:

NOTE: Toiletry items cannot be purchased by clients with SNAP​​

• Feminine Hygiene Products (Pads preferred)
• Baby Wipes 
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Body Wash
• Toothpaste
• Lotion
• Shaving Cream and Disposable Razors
• Pull-Ups Size 4T/5T 

Note: we are not currently in need of diapers due to our partnership with Greater DC Diaper Bank. Please only donate baby wipes if you want to donate items for babies.

Supporting Centreville Immigration Forum (CIF)

CIF provides immigrants in need with the means to improve their lives and become more integrated into the community, improve communication and cooperation among all groups serving immigrants, and build community recognition of our strength in diversity.

If you're interested in supporting or volunteering with CIF's labor resource center and other work:

• Donate men’s work clothes and boots (they do not need to be new). Bring them to worship or to the St. John's office, or deliver them directly to CIF at 5944 Centreville Crest Ln, Centreville, VA 20121. Be sure to let the parish office know if you deliver directly to CIF. We like to keep track of St. John's impact!
• Volunteer to provide rides to CIF clients to medical appointments. Sign up on the CIF website.
• Volunteer to accompany immigrants to court hearings. CIF's Volunteer Coordinator will provide training to interested individuals. Contact the parish office for more.

You can support Centreville Immigration Forum's work and advocacy here.

Helping the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax

St. John's has several volunteers supporting the Shepherd's Center of Western Fairfax. They provide rides to medical and therapy appointments and other important errands for people who are over 50 and can no longer drive. The Shepherd's Center needs additional drivers and support for local seniors. They've had to turn down a number of recent requests because of a lack of volunteers.

Volunteers do not have to commit ahead to a specific day of the week or time of day. As a driver, you check the Shepherd Center website for the client list, and select the ride you'd like to provide. All pickups are local, and all appointments are in northern Virginia (no DC or Maryland). You don't stay with the client in the doctor's office, if you don't want to. You can volunteer as much or as little as your schedule permits.

To assist, you must live in western Fairfax County in or around Clifton, Centreville, or Chantilly. For more information and to volunteer, visit the Shepherd's Center here.

Prayer Requests

If you would like to add yourself or someone you care about to our Sunday prayer list, please contact clergy or the church office.

Sunday Services

Additional readers and ushers are needed. Sign up here.

Coffee Hour

We gather after worship for food and fellowship. Assist with snacks here.

Katherine Hanley Monthly Dinner

We cook and serve every second Tuesday of the month. Sign up here.

Altar Flowers

Dedicate the altar flowers in thanksgiving or in memory of a loved one here.

Photos?!

Have any photos or short videos from St. John's events? Send them to us.

Support St. John's Episcopal Church

With your contribution, you are part of St. John's offering of healing, hope, and hospitality to all God's people. Click the button below to give online or visit our website for more.